Search Operation Called Off for Missing Fishermen Near Visakhapatnam Coast, Families to Receive ₹10 Lakh Aid

Brief By Newsbrief / 2:33 PM on 08 Jul 2026

The search operation for the fishermen who went missing off the coast of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh has been officially called off after four days of extensive rescue efforts. Officials said the fishermen had been missing since July 4, when their fishing boat capsized in rough waters. Despite continuous operations by the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, no trace of the missing fishermen could be found, leaving authorities with little hope of finding them alive.

The search and rescue mission continued until Tuesday midnight with the deployment of two Coast Guard ships and two helicopters. However, all efforts to locate the missing fishermen proved unsuccessful. Information about the incident first emerged after one of the fishermen was rescued by a cargo ship on Sunday. Based on the time that has passed since the accident and the lack of any new evidence, officials now believe that the remaining fishermen are unlikely to have survived.

State Minister Kollu Ravindra expressed condolences to the bereaved families and announced financial assistance of ₹10 lakh for each affected family. Speaking to the media, the minister said that despite more than 72 hours of intensive search operations, no clues about the missing fishermen were found. Considering the circumstances, the government has presumed them dead. The state administration has assured the families of all possible support and said necessary relief measures will be provided to help them during this difficult time.